Sunday, December 18, 2011

Shockey rips Texans' anthem etiquette; then Ryans rips Shockey

Here’s a hot-button topic to debate:

Jeremy Shockey had another good game for Carolina with a touchdown and a key 26-yard catch late in the 28-13 road win over Houston, but he was more interested in talking postgame about what he perceived as a lack of national anthem etiquette on the Texans’ part. And then my friend John McClain of the Houston Chronicle got a reaction Sunday night from Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans about Shockey’s original comments in which Ryans fires back at Shockey.

First, Shockey’s comments: “Myself, I was pretty upset they weren’t showing respect to America during the national anthem,” Shockey said, unprompted, about the Texans when he began talking to reporters in the locker room after the game. “There were about 10 players who didn’t put their arms across their chests….. This is America. They should at least give respect to America…. Maybe they just forgot to do it or something. I don’t see how you can forget something like that.”

Shockey’s comments came fairly late in the open locker room period. He repeated them almost verbatim twice. The second time they were prompted. I asked him about the issue again to make sure I had heard him correctly.

McClain got a reaction for the Houston Chronicle from Ryans about Shockey’s comments. Said Ryans: “If he’s so patriotic, why was he looking at our bench instead of the flag? Where did he come up with the number 10? Was he counting? Why was he paying attention to us during the national anthem? Of course our players are patriotic. We respect the flag and America and our soldiers that are fighting for our freedom.”

I’ve had many readers already send me the official code for national anthem etiquette, which indeed does include holding your hand over your heart (if you’re a civilian).

I have seen hundreds of athletes, fans and media members not follow this code, though, including Panthers on the current team, fans in Bank of America Stadium and myself. I stand silently at attention, look at the flag and sometimes sing along, but usually I have my hands behind my back. Perhaps I should reconsider this posture – a number of readers certainly think that I should.

Those with a long Panther memories may recall that Panther running backs Fred Lane and Tshimanga Biakabutuka were correctly criticized in 1998 when they sat down and talked with each other during one national anthem at home. A number of fans noticed. The players apologized and always stood after that.

Shockey, incidentally, twice mispronounced Ryans' name in that same interview. He was asked about the play in which he scored a touchdown and said it was a "simple play" in which he had beaten Ryans. Ryans later made a huge hit on Shockey, jarring a pass loose.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

So what else is new. Rogue franchise that has harbored criminals of all sorts including murderers, thieves, cheats, scumbags, lowlife vermin etc.

You beat the Houston Texan scrubs. Big deal. The Texans are in the playoffs and won the AFC South. Thats a hellava lot more than you rogues can say other than your one man show like anybody gives a rats ass.

Scrubs beat scrubs. You losers were given a free gift like the others. Beggars cant be choosey.

But you can watch the Texans play on TV in 3 weeks ... lol

casual321 said...

It also makes me sick when I see people not having thier hand over thier hearts. And when they leave thier hats on during the national anthem. It's even worse when they're overpaid athletes that get payed millions for playing a GAME.
I'm a Navy vet that can't afford sh*t, has to go to a local church for food, work whatever side jobs I can find. And I am still so proud of my counrty. Why is that? Thank-you to Jeremy Shockey for saying something to those ungrateful f*#@in' idiots.

Anonymous said...

Has there ever been one single player on the Panthers who served in the military? Texas has 3 times more who serve in the military than any other state so shut the hell up espec the drunk tatoo boy TE.

J. Patrick Terry said...

anon 5:38,
sorry that we beat your team, but go tool yourself somewhere else.

anon 6:20,
More military personnel from NC have died in every war than any other state. What does your comment or mine have to do with either team honoring the USA, which is what Shockey was discussing?

Anonymous said...

Big deal made of nothing. Really, Shockey is a drama queen sometimes. Nothing new.

Anonymous said...

It kinda helps when your in a garbage division. Don't get too cocky. It took you long enough to get to the playoffs. As for Texas soldiers vs. NC soldiers.....really? Really?! I thought Shockey was talking about the Houston Texans not being patriotic, not what state has more soldiers.

Anonymous said...

@ anon 5:38
Ill be watching the Texans get smoked in 3 weeks just like these "rogue" panthers spanked them today. And congrats on your 1st playoff appearance from the great afc south where the nfc south is far superior. Our 3rd place team destroyed your top team lol

Anonymous said...

This national anthem issue must have changed through the years. When I was in public school (in the 50's)which they took this out of the public school system. But before class started the teacher read a scripture from the Bible, we had the "Our father art in heaven prayer" the, "I pledge alliance to the flag" and this is when our hands went over our hearts then we sang the country song or anthem but only ever stood at attention and no hand over the heart. That took place with the pledge only. That national songs only required standing at attention never with the hand over the heart. You stood for the anthem and hand over the heart for the pledge.

wpnsman said...

You don't necessarily have to look at the flag; just face the flag.

Anonymous said...

Nice flag on your arm Shockey -- ....... also nice way to disgrace it by letting it hit the ground every time you're tackled

Anonymous said...

Casual 558

If your that poor then how do you have leisure time and them money for a computer.
SMH

Anonymous said...

I was always taught that it was proper etiquette to place your hand over your heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, but that for the National Anthem, standing at attention and removing your hat was the proper procedure. Either way, unless someone else is clearly disrespecting the flag, I don't worry about what other people are doing.

Anonymous said...

Why do players even go here? Just shut up and play ball. Commenting on the National Anthem? Really?

Anonymous said...

As a Retired Army NCO i am disappointed that Shockey showed that he was not honoring our flag or anthem. If he had been, he wouldnt have been counting heads on who didn't have hands across heart. He is a disgrace. sounds like he had a concussion

Anonymous said...

I can't think of a better person to speak on etiquette than Shockey.

Anonymous said...

I have a feeling Texans were taking this game off, but we needed a win.

Yates played like a 4th string tar hole, that's for sure.

panthers have yet to beat a team with a qb.

Sports Fan said...

I was at the game sitting behind the Panthers bench. Schockey's behavior was deplorable, low class and not even close to anything I have ever seen. He was acting like my 5 year old. This guy has serious mental issues.

Anonymous said...

His complaint would have been easier to swallow had he been a veteran of the US Armed Forces at any time in his young,very rich life he now enjoys,I am a Vietnam vet and I dont put my hand over my heart either but I do take off my hat and stand during the Anthem,am I unpatriotic also,nope,not at all,Shockey is still young enough to enlist in the service and prove just how patriotic he is but I wont hold my breath.

Anonymous said...

my biggest pet-peeve during the national anthem is people not removing their hat. Hey, balding-guy: we know you practically sleep in it to hide your hairline, but take it off during the anthem

Anonymous said...

Shockey has lots of tatoos. One arm is pretty much covered by a bald eagle tatoo. He wears his allegiance on his arm.
Hand on the heart for the pledge. Stand and face the flag or the music for the anthem.

Anonymous said...

pretty sad day when Shockey respects this country and is proud of it and our president and his wife aren't.

kc said...

Check out this link
http://www.foxsportshouston.com/12/18/11/Joyful-day-for-Marines-widow-at-Texans-g/landing_texans.html?blockID=629146&feedID=3714

This shows where a marine widow received a free home at the Texans/Panthers game. The Texans seem to be very unpatriotic.

Anonymous said...

Shockey is a total D-bag. I served my country for 4 and a half years with pride. I don't get terribly upset when someone doesn't place their hand over their heart. I simply think of the time I served and why I served the USA. Sometimes, I feelt aht people make a mountain out of a mole hill.

Anonymous said...

http://www.usamilitarybenefits.com/military-bases-by-state.html

3 states show california virginia texas 123 with most military bases and personel

call your recruiter today (pro athletes included)

Anonymous said...

Maybe he can give Cam 'The Shocker'?

Jimmy Clausen loves it they say.....

Anonymous said...

Go to the Houston Chronicle web site and you can see a video of the person singing the National Anthem. It shows the visitors' side line and the majority of the Carolina players shown don't have their hands over their hearts. Maybe Shockey should talk to his own teammates before he jumps on another team about proper behavior. People in glass houses....

Anonymous said...

I won't disrespect the Carolina team for Shockey's antics. Carolina played great and deserved the win and the respect that goes along with it.

As for the disrespect for DeMeco, Shockey still holds a grudge from when DeMeco cleaned his clock in a training camp fight several years ago while he was in N.O.

I wonder how many stadium ceiling lights Shockey counted when Demeco put him on his back later in the game?

Anonymous said...

You do not put your hand over your heart for the national anthem. People are confused cause they are not raised and taught int he schools what is proper if you went to school after the 60's. You put your hand over your heart when the Pledge Of Alliance was read. Military salutes and citizens hand over heart. for Anthem you stand.

Anonymous said...

Putting your hand over your heart is a new rule. It was added recently so we again can find stupid ways to decide who loves America more.

Anonymous said...

In 2007, Congress addressed this for the first time in 36 USC 301. This U.S. Code therefore created the first mandated national anthem etiquette.

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and placing the right hand over the heart (the salute). Uniformed personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel in uniform should render a hand salute.

When the national anthem is played or sung, U.S. citizens should stand straight and rigid and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the singer.

keepthedreamalive said...

Mr Shockley, I would like tyo recognize your right to object. yet we should also recognize everyone else right to pay omage to our nation in their own way, I personally still believe that the raised fist at the Mexico Olympic Games by three USA runners was an expression of patriotism. It should be noted that during halftime the Texans gave to the widow of a Marine a mortgage free home for her and her son.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Texans-surprise-Marine-8217-s-widow-and-son-wit?urn=nfl-wp14211

Patrick1717 said...

To the most recent post. Your undeducated rants are unfound and without basis. I would consider the offensive, but I simply cannot. Your obvious lack information is an unfaultering reflection on you, your education and your family (or lack there of). The Panthers organization have long been known for charitable organizations and intolerance for; "murderers, thieves, cheats, scumbags, lowlife vermin, etc." It is true that the organization has had a number of undesirable personalities, but make note that Mr. Richardson has been strict and consistent in regards to parting ways with these types of people.

I never understood the anger and hatred that stems from bloggers like you. Your words are meaningless and shameful to anyone who holds their family name dear. Yet, this must be obvious to you because you post such strong words not under your name, but under "Anonymous".

Whatever team you pull for I truly hope you do not represent their entire fan base, because you are a disgrace to sports all across this nation. We as fans support and drive our sports communities. I am confident in saying that you are a true hinderance to the progression of sportsmanship and integrity in our great nation.

Isn't it amazing how I can say all this simply off analyzing one post of yours? I look forward to your response. Best of luck.

Anonymous said...

smells like some mouthy skinny 666 pedophile waterboy hick whiteboy pos with 500 names on the sex offender list ... central prison awaits the perv soon...

Anonymous said...

I have to admit it is pretty entertaining that we get this type of coverage.

Anonymous said...

The Texans had secured a playoff berth but NOT home field advantage in the playoffs, so this was a critical loss for them. To think they were taking a "day off" is nonsense.

Anonymous said...

Scott, this is a story worth writing?

Really?

Anonymous said...

From a previous post:

Anonymous said... Scott, this is a story worth writing?

What's Sorenson writing about this year after breaking such big scoops in 2010.

How fast things change.

Guess perception and content matters more to readers.

Anonymous said...

5:38 nominated for Idiot of the Year and 8:10 gets honorable mention. The village is missing you two.

SilentKnight said...

I was just beginning to like Shockey, too. Now I like him much more. It's long troubled me that some athletes don't know enough to render respect to their country during the National Anthem - especially when kids' eyes are on them. I also hold coaches accountable for not teaching their players to demonstrate that respect.

As others have observed in these comments, 36 USC 301 prescribes that, during the National Anthem, those wearing civilian attire stand at attention, hat in the right hand, and the right hand over the heart; or, do so facing the music, if the flag cannot be seen. But, respect for one's country shouldn't have to be codified; it should be an inate part of each of us.

I encourage anyone who is not familiar to visit the flag pole of any military installation early in the morning, when the National Anthem is played and Old Glory is raised. Listen. Watch. Feel. Maybe even shed a tear. Respect naturally follows.

Anonymous said...

Scott, you are way, way off.

Anonymous said...

I am sure that moronic posters such as Anonymous 12/19 5:38,Anonymous 12/19 10:37, etc. not only do not respect the flag, but I am certain could not even recite the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner. Scott asked for comments about respect and gets these idiotic posts.

Anonymous said...

pedophiles are arrested and jailed and banned from the military even if the cowards tried to join which they wont so it dosent matter

Hoagie58- Patriotic American! said...

A little education for all; I am especially chagrined with my military brethren, who should know this!! Per 36 U.S.C 171, enacted June 1942: "During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.".

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a rule that was "added recently so we again can find stupid ways to decide who loves America more.". Rather, it has served (some) of us well for nearly 80 years.

Its a shame, and sad commentary, that people can tell you how many yards Cam Newton passed for last week, but can't tell you how to properly show respect for our nation!

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